ˌɡɪləˈti:n n. & v. --n. 1 a
machine with a
heavy knife-blade sliding vertically in grooves, used
for beheading. 2 a
device for
cutting paper,
metal, etc. 3 a
surgical instrument for excising
the uvula etc. 4 Parl. a
method of preventing
delay in the
discussion of a
legislative bill by fixing times at
which various parts of it must be voted
on. --v.tr. 1
use a guillotine on. 2 Parl.
end discussion of (a bill) by applying a guillotine. øøguillotiner n. [F f. J.-I. Guillotin,
Fr.
physician d. 1814,
who recommended
its use for executions in 1789]